{{EngvarB|date=June 2025}} {{short description|Spanish football manager (born 1969)}} {{Use dmy dates|date=June 2025}} {{family name hatnote|Garitano|Aguirrezábal|lang=Spanish}} {{Infobox football biography | name = Asier Garitano | image = El CD Leganés a Primera (26911425003) Garitano (cropped).jpg | caption = Garitano as Leganés manager in 2016 | full_name = Asier Garitano Aguirrezábal<ref name=Bio>{{WorldFootball.net|asier-garitano}}</ref> | birth_date = {{birth date and age|1969|12|6|df=y}}<ref name=Bio/> | birth_place = Bergara, Spain | height = 1.72 m<ref name=Bio/> | position = Forward | currentclub = | youthyears1 = 1988–1989 | youthclubs1 = Athletic Bilbao | years1 = 1989–1993 | clubs1 = Bilbao Athletic | caps1 = 95 | goals1 = 17 | years2 = 1992–1993 | clubs2 = → Eibar (loan) | caps2 = 22 | goals2 = 4 | years3 = 1993–1994 | clubs3 = Cartagena | caps3 = 35 | goals3 = 13 | years4 = 1994–1995 | clubs4 = Cádiz | caps4 = 41 | goals4 = 9 | years5 = 1996 | clubs5 = Eibar | caps5 = 17 | goals5 = 2 | years6 = 1996–1997 | clubs6 = Gavà | caps6 = 29 | goals6 = 6 | years7 = 1997–1998 | clubs7 = Racing Ferrol | caps7 = 13 | goals7 = 3 | years8 = 1998–2000 | clubs8 = Burgos | caps8 = 58 | goals8 = 19 | years9 = 2000–2003 | clubs9 = Alicante | caps9 = 40 | goals9 = 12 | years10 = 2002–2003 | clubs10 = → Benidorm (loan) | caps10 = 2 | goals10 = 0 | totalcaps = 352 | totalgoals = 85 | nationalyears1 = 1988 | nationalteam1 = Spain U18 | nationalcaps1 = 1 | nationalgoals1 = 0 | nationalyears2 = 1990 | nationalteam2 = Spain U20 | nationalcaps2 = 1 | nationalgoals2 = 0 | manageryears1 = 2003–2008 | managerclubs1 = Alicante (assistant) | manageryears2 = 2008 | managerclubs2 = Alicante | manageryears3 = 2009–2010 | managerclubs3 = Castellón (assistant) | manageryears4 = 2010 | managerclubs4 = Castellón | manageryears5 = 2011–2012 | managerclubs5 = Orihuela | manageryears6 = 2012–2013 | managerclubs6 = Alcoyano | manageryears7 = 2013–2018 | managerclubs7 = Leganés | manageryears8 = 2018 | managerclubs8 = Real Sociedad | manageryears9 = 2019–2020 | managerclubs9 = Alavés | manageryears10 = 2021 | managerclubs10 = Leganés | manageryears11 = 2023–2024 | managerclubs11 = Tenerife | manageryears12 = 2025 | managerclubs12 = Sporting Gijón }} '''Asier Garitano Aguirrezábal''' (born 6 December 1969) is a Spanish football manager and former player who played as a forward.
During a 14-year senior career, he appeared in 134 matches in the Segunda División over five seasons, totalling 23 goals for Bilbao Athletic and Eibar. He added 216 games and 61 goals in the Segunda División B, in representation of several clubs.
Garitano started working as a manager in 2003, as an assistant at Alicante. He went on to be in charge of four teams before being appointed at Leganés in 2013, which he led to promotions to the second tier and La Liga. He was head coach at Real Sociedad and Alavés, also in the top flight.
==Playing career== Born in Bergara, Gipuzkoa, Basque Country,<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.noticiasdegipuzkoa.eus/opinion/2017/05/03/existe-parentesco-gaizka-asier-garitano-4005466.html|title=¿Existe parentesco entre Gaizka y Asier Garitano?|trans-title=Are Gaizka and Asier Garitano related?|newspaper=Noticias de Gipuzkoa|first=Francisco Javier|last=Meléndez|language=es|date=3 May 2017|access-date=9 September 2025}}</ref> Garitano was an Athletic Bilbao youth graduate. He made his senior debut with the reserves on 2 September 1989, starting and scoring the winner in a 2–1 away win against Racing de Santander in the Segunda División.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://hemeroteca.mundodeportivo.com/preview/1989/09/03/pagina-23/1199403/pdf.html#&mode=fullScreen|title=1–2: Rugieron los "cachorros"|trans-title=1–2: The "pups" roared|newspaper=Mundo Deportivo|language=es|date=3 September 1989|access-date=13 June 2016}}</ref>
After four full seasons (one of them on loan at SD Eibar), Garitano left the Lions and signed for Cartagena FC of Segunda División B.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.sportcartagena.es/articulo/todo-futbol/asier-garitano-pichichi-albinegro-hace-22-anos-ascensor-leganes/20160605065347044215.html|title=Garitano marcó 13 goles para los albinegros en Segunda B con Antonio Pedreño de entrenador|trans-title=Garitano scored 13 goals for the white-and-black in ''Segunda B'' with Antonio Pedreño as manager|publisher=Sport Cartagena|language=es|date=5 June 2016|access-date=13 June 2016}}</ref> In 1994, he moved to Cádiz CF also in the third division, and returned to Eibar in January 1996.<ref name=Visit>{{cite news|url=https://as.com/futbol/una-visita-muy-especial-y-con-mal-recuerdo-para-asier-garitano-n/|title=Una visita muy especial y con mal recuerdo para Asier Garitano|trans-title=A very special visit with a bad memory for Asier Garitano|newspaper=Diario AS|first=José Ramón|last=Rodríguez|language=es|date=24 April 2025|access-date=9 September 2025}}</ref>
Garitano subsequently resumed his career in the third tier and Tercera División, representing CF Gavà, Racing de Ferrol, Burgos CF, Alicante CF and Benidorm CF. He retired in 2003 at the age of 33, mainly due to injuries.<ref name=Visit/>
==Coaching career== Shortly after retiring, Garitano started working as an assistant at former club Alicante. In October 2008 he was named manager, replacing the fired José Carlos Granero.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://archivo.marca.com/edicion/marca/futbol/2a_division/alicante/es/desarrollo/1175784.html|title=Asier Garitano se quiere quedar al frente del Alicante|trans-title=Asier Garitano wants to stay in charge of Alicante|newspaper=Marca|language=es|date=16 October 2008|access-date=13 June 2016}}</ref> However, after only three matches, he was replaced by Nino Lema and moved to the backroom staff.
Garitano was appointed CD Castellón coach on 6 April 2010,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.marca.com/2010/04/06/futbol/equipos/castellon/1270586205.html|title=El Castellón destituye a 'Tintín' Márquez|trans-title=Castellón dismiss 'Tintín' Márquez|newspaper=Marca|language=es|date=6 April 2010|access-date=13 June 2016}}</ref> after being previously working at the club as an assistant.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.marca.com/2009/07/13/futbol/equipos/castellon/1247495413.html|title=Asier Garitano, nuevo segundo entrenador albinegro|trans-title=Asier Garitano, new white-and-black assistant manager|newspaper=Marca|language=es|date=13 July 2009|access-date=2 April 2021}}</ref> He remained in charge until the end of the season, suffering relegation as last.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.elperiodicomediterraneo.com/deportes/2010/05/23/garitano-urge-club-decisiones-pronto-42412135.html|title=Garitano urge al club a tomar decisiones pronto|trans-title=Garitano demands that club take decisions soon|newspaper=El Periódico Mediterráneo|language=es|date=23 May 2010|access-date=27 December 2021}}</ref>
On 7 July 2011, Garitano signed with third division side Orihuela CF.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.laverdad.es/alicante/20110707/deportes/futbol/orihuela-nuevo-entrenador-201107071034.html|title=El Orihuela ficha como enternador a Asier Garitano|trans-title=Orihuela sign Asier Garitano as manager|newspaper=La Verdad|language=es|date=7 July 2011|access-date=13 June 2016}}</ref> The following campaign, also as manager, he worked with CD Alcoyano,<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.marca.com/2012/06/14/futbol/equipos/alcoyano/1339669801.html|title=Asier Garitano es el elegido para volver a Segunda|trans-title=Asier Garitano is the chosen one to get back to ''Segunda''|newspaper=Marca|language=es|date=14 June 2012|access-date=13 June 2016}}</ref> eventually losing promotion with both teams in the play-offs.
On 28 June 2013, Garitano joined CD Leganés still in the third tier.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.deportivoleganes.com/noticia/asier-garitano-nuevo-entrenador-del-c-d-leganes|title=Asier Garitano, nuevo entrenador del C.D. Leganés|trans-title=Asier Garitano, new manager of C.D. Leganés|publisher=CD Leganés|language=es|date=28 June 2013|access-date=13 June 2016|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160808004418/http://www.deportivoleganes.com/noticia/asier-garitano-nuevo-entrenador-del-c-d-leganes|archive-date=8 August 2016}}</ref> In his first season, he achieved promotion to division two after defeating CE L'Hospitalet in the play-offs; another promotion followed in 2016, finishing second in the regular season.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://as.com/futbol/2021/09/27/segunda/1632735128_938257.html|title=Garitano, centenario ganador en el Leganés en el momento justo|trans-title=Garitano, centenary winner at Leganés in the right moment|newspaper=Diario AS|first=Eduardo|last=Mora|language=es|date=27 September 2021|access-date=27 December 2021}}</ref>
On 24 May 2018, Garitano was appointed at the helm of Real Sociedad.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.realsociedad.eus/en/news/details/real-hire-asier-garitano|title=Real hire Asier Garitano|publisher=Real Sociedad|date=24 May 2018|access-date=24 May 2018}}</ref> On 26 December that year, he was dismissed due to a poor run of results.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.apnews.com/c341daf411ea4c85a097b43753dcae97|title=Real Sociedad fires coach Garitano and appoints Alguacil|agency=Associated Press|date=26 December 2018|access-date=27 December 2018}}</ref>
Garitano became manager of Deportivo Alavés on 21 May 2019, taking over from Abelardo who had resigned a day earlier.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.deportivoalaves.com/noticia/asier-garitano-sera-el-nuevo-entrenador-del-deportivo-alaves|title=Asier Garitano será el nuevo entrenador del Deportivo Alavés|trans-title=Asier Garitano will be the new coach of Deportivo Alavés|publisher=Deportivo Alavés|language=es|date=21 May 2019|access-date=21 May 2019}}</ref> He was fired in July 2020, after five consecutive defeats.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-soccer-spain-alv/alaves-sack-coach-garitano-after-five-straight-losses-idUKKBN2460R4|title=Alaves sack coach Garitano after five straight losses|publisher=Reuters|first1=Richard|last1=Martin|first2=Ken|last2=Ferris|date=5 July 2020|access-date=7 July 2020|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200707211504/https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-soccer-spain-alv/alaves-sack-coach-garitano-after-five-straight-losses-idUKKBN2460R4|archive-date=7 July 2020}}</ref>
On 27 January 2021, Garitano returned to Leganés, with the club back in the second division.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cdleganes.com/noticia/asier-garitano-regresa-al-c-d-leganes|title=Asier Garitano regresa al C.D. Leganés|trans-title=Asier Garitano returns to C.D. Leganés|publisher=CD Leganés|language=es|date=27 January 2021|accessdate=27 January 2021}}</ref> He was sacked on 30 October, leaving the side in the relegation zone.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.cdleganes.com/noticia/el-c-d-leganes-y-asier-garitano-separan-sus-caminos|title=El C.D. Leganés y Asier Garitano separan sus caminos|trans-title=C.D. Leganés and Asier Garitano separate their paths|publisher=CD Leganés|language=es|date=30 October 2021|access-date=30 October 2021}}</ref>
On 29 May 2023, after more than a year without coaching, Garitano replaced Luis Miguel Ramis at fellow second-tier CD Tenerife.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.clubdeportivotenerife.es/noticias/asier-garitano-nuevo-entrenador-del-cd-tenerife|title=Asier Garitano, nuevo entrenador del CD Tenerife|trans-title=Asier Garitano, new manager of CD Tenerife|publisher=CD Tenerife|language=es|date=29 May 2023|access-date=30 May 2023}}</ref> He left in June 2024, after a 12th-place finish.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.clubdeportivotenerife.es/noticias/la-sentida-y-sincera-despedida-de-asier-garitano-del-cd-tenerife|title=La sentida y sincera despedida de Asier Garitano del CD Tenerife|trans-title=The heartfelt and sincere farewell of Asier Garitano to CD Tenerife|publisher=CD Tenerife|language=es|date=2 June 2024|access-date=16 June 2024}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://diariodeavisos.elespanol.com/2024/06/en-vivo-cd-tenerife-valladolid/|title=El CD Tenerife logra una honrosa victoria para dar carpetazo a una aciaga temporada (2–1)|trans-title=CD Tenerife get honourable win to curtain-call grim season (2–1)|newspaper=Diario de Avisos|first=Martín|last=Travieso|language=es|date=2 June 2024|access-date=12 September 2024}}</ref>
On 8 April 2025, Garitano took over from the sacked Rubén Albés at relegation-threatened Sporting de Gijón; he signed a contract valid until 30 June 2026.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.realsporting.com/noticias/asier-garitano-nuevo-entrenador-del-sporting|title=Asier Garitano, nuevo entrenador del Sporting|trans-title=Asier Garitano, new manager of Sporting|publisher=Sporting Gijón|language=es|date=8 April 2025|access-date=8 April 2025}}</ref> He managed to easily avoid a drop, ranking 11th with 56 points,<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.eldesmarque.com/futbol/sporting-de-gijon/20250409/argumentos-asier-garitano-lograr-salvacion-sporting-gijon_300635492.html|title=Los argumentos de Asier Garitano para lograr la salvación con el Sporting: "Tengo las ideas claras"|trans-title=Asier Garitano's arguments for securing salvation with Sporting: "My ideas are clear"|publisher=El Desmarque|first=Pablo|last=Sánchez|language=es|date=9 April 2025|access-date=9 September 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.diariocordoba.com/area-blanquiverde/2025/08/13/sporting-perfila-equipo-luchar-ascenso-120603240.html|title=El Sporting perfila el equipo que abrirá la Liga enfrentándose al Córdoba CF|trans-title=Sporting outline team that will open the League by taking on Córdoba CF|newspaper=Diario Córdoba|first=Antonio|last=Raya|language=es|date=13 August 2025|access-date=9 September 2025}}</ref> but was dismissed on 5 October after five consecutive losses in the new campaign.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.realsporting.com/noticias/comunicado-oficial-asier-garitano|title=Comunicado oficial: Asier Garitano|trans-title=Official announcement: Asier Garitano|publisher=Sporting Gijón|language=es|date=5 October 2025|access-date=7 October 2025}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://tribuna.com/es/news/2025-10-06-oficial-el-sporting-despide-a-asier-garitano-tras-cinco-derrotas-consecutivas-el-club-ya/|title=Oficial: El Sporting despide a Asier Garitano tras cinco derrotas consecutivas – el club ya busca sustituto|trans-title=Official: Sporting dismiss Asier Garitano after five consecutive losses – the club is already searching for a replacement|publisher=Tribuna.com|first=Iván|last=Parkhómenko|language=es|date=6 October 2025|access-date=30 December 2025}}</ref>
==Personal life== Garitano is not related to fellow manager Gaizka Garitano, who also had playing spells with Bilbao Athletic and Eibar.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.sport.es/es/noticias/laliga/gran-duelo-los-garitano-5400872|title=El gran duelo de los Garitano|trans-title=The great battle of the Garitanos|newspaper=Sport|first=Josep|last=Bosch|language=es|date=22 September 2016|access-date=19 December 2017}}</ref>
==Managerial statistics== {{updated|match played 5 October 2025}} {| class="wikitable" style="text-align: center" |+ Managerial record by team and tenure |- !rowspan="2"|Team !rowspan="2"|Nat !rowspan="2"|From !rowspan="2"|To !colspan="8"|Record !rowspan=2|{{abbr|Ref|Reference}} |- !{{Tooltip|G|Games managed}} !{{Tooltip|W|Games won}} !{{Tooltip|D|Games drawn}} !{{Tooltip|L|Games lost}} !{{Tooltip|GF|Goals for}} !{{Tooltip|GA|Goals against}} !{{Tooltip|GD|Goal difference}} !{{Tooltip|Win %|Winning percentage}} |- |align=left|Alicante |{{Flagicon|Spain}} |align=left|13 October 2008 |align=left|3 November 2008 {{WDL|3|0|2|1|for=3|against=4|diff=yes}} |<ref>{{BDFutbol season|l6978|2008–09}}</ref> |- |align=left|Castellón |{{Flagicon|Spain}} |align=left|6 April 2010 |align=left|30 June 2010 {{WDL|11|2|3|6|for=9|against=14|diff=yes}} |<ref>{{BDFutbol season|l6978|2009–10}}</ref> |- |align=left|Orihuela |{{Flagicon|Spain}} |align=left|7 July 2011 |align=left|14 June 2012 {{WDL|42|19|15|8|for=53|against=38|diff=yes}} |<ref>{{BDFutbol season|l6978|2011–12}}</ref> |- |align=left|Alcoyano |{{Flagicon|Spain}} |align=left|14 June 2012 |align=left|25 March 2013 {{WDL|36|18|7|11|for=46|against=34|diff=yes}} |<ref>{{BDFutbol season|l6978|2012–13}}</ref> |- |align=left|Leganés |{{Flagicon|Spain}} |align=left|28 June 2013 |align=left|20 May 2018 {{WDL|222|87|59|76|for=261|against=226|diff=yes}} |<ref>{{BDFutbol season|l6978|2013–14}}<br>{{BDFutbol season|l6978|2014–15}}<br>{{BDFutbol season|l6978|2015–16}}<br>{{BDFutbol season|l6978|2016–17}}<br>{{BDFutbol season|l6978|2017–18}}</ref> |- |align=left|Real Sociedad |{{Flagicon|Spain}} |align=left|24 May 2018 |align=left|26 December 2018 {{WDL|19|6|5|8|for=21|against=21|diff=yes}} |<ref>{{BDFutbol season|l6978|2018–19}}</ref> |- |align=left|Alavés |{{Flagicon|Spain}} |align=left|21 May 2019 |align=left|5 July 2020 {{WDL|35|9|8|18|for=33|against=54|diff=yes}} |<ref>{{BDFutbol season|l6978|2019–20}}</ref> |- |align=left| Leganés |{{Flagicon|Spain}} |align=left|27 January 2021 |align=left|30 October 2021 {{WDL|36|13|10|13|for=44|against=39|diff=yes}} |<ref>{{BDFutbol season|l6978|2020–21}}<br>{{BDFutbol season|l6978|2021–22}}</ref> |- |align=left|Tenerife |{{Flagicon|Spain}} |align=left|29 May 2023 |align=left|2 June 2024 {{WDL|46|18|11|17|for=44|against=44|diff=yes}} |<ref>{{BDFutbol season|l6978|2023–24}}</ref> |- |align=left|Sporting Gijón |{{Flagicon|Spain}} |align=left|8 April 2025 |align=left|5 October 2025 {{WDL|16|8|0|8|for=27|against=26|diff=yes}} |<ref>{{BDFutbol season|l6978|2024–25}}</ref> |- !colspan="4"|Total {{WDLtot|466|180|120|166|for=541|against=499|diff=yes}} !— |}
==References== {{reflist}}
==External links== *{{BDFutbol|6978}} *{{BDFutbol manager|6978}} *[https://web.archive.org/web/20110707202510/http://cadistas1910.awardspace.com/ficha_jugador.php?idjugador=617&nombre=Garitano Stats at Cadistas1910] {{in lang|es}} *[https://historiasracinguistas.blogspot.com/2008/10/garitano.html Racing de Ferrol profile] {{in lang|es}}
{{Navboxes |title=Managerial positions |list1= {{CD Castellón managers}} {{CD Alcoyano managers}} {{CD Leganés managers}} {{Real Sociedad managers}} {{Deportivo Alavés managers}} {{CD Tenerife managers}} {{Sporting de Gijón managers}} }} {{Miguel Muñoz Trophy}} {{La Liga Coach of the Year (LFP)}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Garitano, Asier}} Category:1969 births Category:Living people Category:Sportspeople from Bergara Category:20th-century Spanish sportsmen Category:Spanish men's footballers Category:Footballers from Gipuzkoa Category:Men's association football forwards Category:Segunda División players Category:Segunda División B players Category:Athletic Bilbao B footballers Category:SD Eibar footballers Category:Cartagena FC players Category:Cádiz CF players Category:CF Gavà players Category:Racing de Ferrol footballers Category:Burgos CF footballers Category:Alicante CF footballers Category:Benidorm CF footballers Category:Spain men's youth international footballers Category:Spanish football managers Category:La Liga managers Category:Segunda División managers Category:Segunda División B managers Category:Alicante CF managers Category:CD Castellón managers Category:CD Alcoyano managers Category:CD Leganés managers Category:Real Sociedad managers Category:Deportivo Alavés managers Category:CD Tenerife managers Category:Sporting de Gijón managers